Tire uniformity machine grinding assembly

ABSTRACT

A grinder assembly ( 10 ) contacts a tire (T) supported by a frame (F) relative to the tire (T). The grinder assembly ( 10 ) includes at least one section, and a vertical repositioning system ( 118 ) supporting the at least one section. The vertical repositioning system ( 118 ) enables the at least one section to be vertically repositioned relative to the tire (T). The at least one section includes a grinding head ( 24 ), a radial positioning system ( 18 ) supporting the grinding head ( 24 ) for radial movement with respect to the tire (T), and a tilt adjuster ( 90 ) provided adjacent the grinding head ( 24 ) to provide for pivotal movement thereof. The vertical repositioning system ( 118 ) includes at least one rail extending along the frame (F), and a rail carriage supporting the at least one section on the at least one rail, the rail carriage being vertically repositionable along the at least one rail.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/548,495 filed on Feb. 27, 2004.

TECHNICAL FIELD

In general, the present invention relates to a tire uniformity machine. More particularly, the present invention relates to a tire uniformity machine employing a grinding assembly having an upper section and a lower section including grinding heads capable of independent vertical, radial, and pivotal movement with respect to a tire mounted on the tire uniformity machine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In tire uniformity machines, a tire is tested by rotating it at various speeds to ensure that the tire has been constructed to perform within quality control standards. During this testing process, the tire is rotated, and the tire uniformity machine examines the tire's integrity, shape, and surface qualities to a high degree of accuracy. At times, during examination, the tire uniformity machine detects irregularities in the tire. Any irregularity in the integrity, surface, and shape of the tire may be corrected by removing material from appropriate portions of the tire.

To remove material from a tire, known tire uniformity machines typically employ a grinder having a single grindstone rotating in relation to the rotation of the tire. In known grinders, the grindstone is cylindrical, and the application of the grindstone occurs in a rotary fashion. Often a motor and gear box arrangement is used to control the speed and direction of rotation of the grindstone. As such, the motor is connected to the gear box arrangement by belts or chains and a series of pulleys or sprockets. Because the motor needed to drive the belts or chains, and the gear box arrangement is bulky, the housing of the motor projects to such an extent that the confines of the tire uniformity machine prevent the grindstone from being actuated in a linear fashion inward and outward with respect to the tire. As such, to accommodate the limited area for positioning the grinder, known tire uniformity machines attach the motor distally from the grinder on the pivoting arm, away from the confines of the tire uniformity machine, so that rotation of the pivoting arm will position the grindstone adjacent the tire.

Rotation of the pivotal arm, however, may not aim the grindstone directly at the center of the tire. That is, the center line and the contact point of the grindstone travel in an arc in an attempt to tangentially contact the tire.

To better position the grindstone to remove material from the tire, known grinders pivotably support the grindstone relative to the pivoting arm. As such, the position of the grindstone can be pivoted to account for the indirect aim of the pivoting arm. To provide such pivotal movement, known grinders incorporate a series of linkages. In some cases, as many as five linkages may be used. Due to machining tolerances, each link is a potential source of error. When multiple links are used, such errors are compounded making it more significant in terms of accurately positioning the grindstone to remove material from the tire.

In fact, when dual grindstones, a leading and a trailing grindstone, are provided, use of such linkages virtually eliminates the ability of the grinder to have both grindstones strike the tire simultaneously, and, in some cases, may cause one of the grindstones to be out of contact with the tire. The trailing grindstone is often used in an attempt to correct irregularities created by the first grindstone. However, when errors occur using the linkages, the trailing grindstone is precluded from performing its corrective function.

As discussed above, the pivoting arm supporting single or dual grindstones can be a source of inaccuracy in positioning the grindstone or grindstones relative to the tire. Moreover, pivotably supporting the grindstone relative to the pivoting arm so that the grindstone or grindstones can be pivoted to account for rotation of the pivoting arm introduces additional inaccuracies. As such, there is a need for grinder having single or dual grindstones repositionable with respect to a tire without using various linkages which can introduce inaccuracies during positioning. Such a grinder should be capable of initiating good, accurate contact of its grindstone or grindstones with the tire in a repeatable manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In general, a grinder assembly for contacting a tire includes a first section and a second section, a vertical repositioning assembly supporting the first section and the second section, and actuating the first section and the second section vertically relative to one another, and to the tire, where the first section and the second section include grinding heads, radial positioning systems supporting the grinding heads for radial movement with respect to the tire, and tilt adjusters provided adjacent the grinding heads to actuate the grinding heads between pivotal positions.

In accordance with at least one aspect of the present invention, the present invention further provides a grinder assembly for contacting a tire supported by a frame relative to the tire, the grinder assembly including at least one section, a vertical repositioning system supporting the at least one section, and enabling the at least one section to be vertically repositioned relative to the tire, the at least one section including a grinding head, a radial positioning system supporting the grinding head for radial movement with respect to the tire, and a tilt adjuster provided adjacent the grinding head to provide for pivotal movement thereof, where the vertical repositioning system includes at least one rail extending along the frame, and a rail carriage supporting the at least one section on the at least one rail, the rail carriage being vertically repositionable along the at least one rail.

In accordance with at least one aspect of the present invention, the present invention further provides a grinding process for removing material from the tread, sidewall, and shoulder of a tire, the grinding process including the steps of providing a grinder assembly having a grinding head pivotally mounted on an arm, the arm being movable vertically and radially relative to the tire, providing actuators operatively connected to the grinding assembly to move the grinding head, providing a controller in communication with the actuators and at least one sensor, selectively adjusting the position of the grinding head relative to the tire by selectively operating the actuators to contact the tire at a selected position, and removing material from the tire at the position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view a grinding assembly according to the present invention employing an upper section and a lower section carrying grinding heads mounted thereon with the grinding assembly mounted to the frame of a tire uniformity machine;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view of FIG. 1 depicting the upper section of the grinding assembly having a carriage supporting an arm moveable in a radial direction with respect to a tire;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the carriage of the upper section taken along Line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a rear elevational view of the carriage of the upper section taken along Line 4-4 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a side partially fragmentary elevational view of the upper section and lower section of the grinding assembly positioned adjacent the tire depicting the pivotal positions of the grinding heads.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged plan view of FIG. 1 depicting the grinding head of the upper section of the grinding assembly.

FIG. 7 is cross-sectional view of the grinding head taken along Line 7-7 of FIG. 6 depicting grindstones driven by the grinding head positioned within a grinding chamber.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged plan view of FIG. 1 depicting a tilt adjuster used to pivot the grinding head, a braking assembly used in maintaining the pivotal position of the grinding head, and a vertical positioning assembly used in adjusting the vertical position of the upper section and lower section.

FIG. 9A is an enlarged side elevational view of FIG. 8 taken along Line 9A-9A depicting the tilt adjuster used to pivot the grinding head.

FIG. 9B is an enlarged side elevational view of FIG. 8 taken along Line 9B-9B depicting the braking assembly used in maintaining the pivotal position of the grinding head.

FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of FIG. 1 taken along Line 10-10 depicting the vertical positioning assembly.

FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of FIG. 1 taken along Line 11-11 depicting a vertical slide assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A grinder assembly according to the present invention is generally referred to by the numeral 10 in the accompanying drawing figures. The grinder assembly 10 removes material from a tire T. The grinding assembly 10 may be used in association with tire machines in a lathe-like manner to remove material as the tire T rotates about a central axis CA. Optionally, grinding assembly 10 may be used in connection with a tire uniformity machine (not shown). In this example, uniformity testing and grinding could be performed at a single location. Such machines are well-known and will only be generally described herein.

The grinder assembly 10 is suitably supported proximate to tire T to effect such contact, for example, by a frame F having frame members F1 and F2. The frame F may be an independent support, or be a part of the tire machine frame. As shown in FIG. 5, the grinder assembly 10 may include an upper section 10A and a lower section 10B. In the example shown, the upper section 10A and lower section 10B are mirror images, oppositely oriented with respect to one another, and, as discussed below, are capable of independent vertical, radial, and pivotal movement with respect to the tire T.

The upper section 10A and lower section 10B are capable of independent vertical movement along rails 12 and 14 using various actuators. As discussed below, the upper section 10A and lower section 10B are vertically positionable with respect to one another, and to the tire T. To that end, the upper section 10A and lower section 10B are supported by rail carriages R1 and R2, respectively, moveable along the rails 12 and 14. Using the various actuators, the rail carriages R1 and R2 allow the upper section 10A and lower section 10B, respectively, to be vertically positioned along the rails 12 and 14.

As shown in FIG. 10, the rail carriages R1 and R2 include collars 16 which support the upper section 10A and lower section 10B relative to the frame member F1. As discussed above, the upper section 10A and lower section 10B are mirror images of one another, and, therefore, include similar components. For sake of simplicity, the description will proceed with reference to the upper section 10A.

As best shown in FIGS. 2-4, the upper section 10A includes a radial positioning assembly, generally indicated by the numeral 18, that may be pivotably attached at 19 to the rail carriage R1 by a bracket 20. Pivotal attachment of the upper section 10A to the rail carriage R1 allows the upper section 10A to be moved from a service position to an engaged position (FIG. 1). In the service position, the upper section 10A is pivoted away from the tire uniformity machine to allow access to its various components. In the engaged position, as shown in FIG. 1, the upper section 10A is pivoted toward the tire uniformity machine, and the center line CL of the radial positioning assembly 18 is aligned with the central axis CA of the tire T. Linear movement of the grinding head 24, thus, occurs along a radial line extending from the central axis CA of the tire T.

To that end, the radial positioning assembly 18 includes a carriage 22 supporting a grinding head 24, while allowing linear movement thereof, for inward and outward radial movement relative to the tire T. As such, the carriage 22 may be fixed relative to the frame F, capable of radially positioning the grinding head 24 with respect to the tire T to effectuate contact of grindstones carried by the grinder head 24 with the surface S. When two grindstones are used, the alignment of the center line CL of the radial positioning assembly 18 with the central axis CA of the tire T allows the grindstones carried by the grinding head 24 to contact the surface S simultaneously.

As best shown in FIGS. 2-4, the carriage 22 carries a moveable arm 28 on which the grinding head 24 may be mounted. The moveable arm 28 is supported by bearings 29 that facilitate substantially linear movement of the moveable arm 28 inward and outward relative to the tire T. The carriage 22 includes a base plate 30, a first wall 32 and a second wall 33 which define an inverted U-shaped cavity for accommodating the moveable arm 28. Spacers 35 may be attached between the first wall 32 and second wall 33 opposite the base plate 30 to maintain the spacing therebetween.

The moveable arm 28 is supported between the first and second walls 32 and 33 by the bearings 29 attached to these walls. The bearings 29 may be linear bearings that may include rollers 34 suitably mounted on the carriage 22. The rollers 34 receive edges 36 of the moveable arm 28 to enable substantially linear movement of the moveable arm 28. As best shown in FIG. 2, four sets of bearings 29, two in an aft position and two in fore position, are provided to support the movement of the moveable arm 28 upon its actuation.

The moveable arm 28 is actuated by a suitable linear actuator generally referred to by the numeral 40, including fluid driven actuators, such as, hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders, motor driven actuators, electric actuators and the like. In the embodiment shown, actuator 40 includes a cylinder 42 that extends to drive the moveable arm 28 toward the tire T and retracts to pull the movable arm 28 away from the tire T.

The one end 44 of the actuator 40 is fixedly attached to an end plate 45 extending between the first and second walls 32 and 33 of the carriage 22. The other end 46 of the actuator 40 is extendable and retractable, and is attached to a junction plate 47 connected to the moveable arm 28. The junction plate 47 is perpendicularly oriented with respect to the moveable arm 28, and includes portions extending above and below the moveable arm 28. The end 46 of the actuator 40 is attached to the portion of the junction plate 47 extending below the moveable arm 28, and the portion of the junction plate 47 extending above the moveable arm 28 is reinforced by struts 48 attached thereto that extend longitudinally along the moveable arm 28.

As discussed above, the manipulation of radial positioning assembly 18 may be controlled by the system controller C. For example, a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder 42 is employed to extend and retract the moveable arm 28 carrying the grinder head 24. As such, supply lines (not shown) carrying fluid from a fluid supply may used to selectively direct fluids to the cylinder 42 to apply a motive force. To control the flow of such fluid, a servo valve 50 may be used to meter the fluid passing through a manifold 51 supplying the cylinder 42. A system controller C (not shown) may be used in controlling the radial positioning assembly 18 to adjust inward and outward radial movement of the grinding head 24 relative to the T. The system controller C can incorporate appropriate sensors for determining the position of the upper section 10A relative to the tire T. For example, a sensor 26 is mounted on the upper section 10A adjacent to the grinding head 24 in sensing relation to the tire T. The sensor 26 communicates with the system controller C to allow the radial position of the grinding head 24 with respect to the tire T to be accurately controlled.

Using the servo valve 50, the activation of the cylinder 42 may be coordinated by the system controller C via signals provided by the sensor 26. The system controller C can activate and deactivate operation of the servo valve 50 to extend and retract the moveable arm 28 so the radial position of the grinding head 24 can be controlled.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 8, the grinder head 24 is supported relative to the moveable arm 28 by a pair of extension arms 52. The extension arms 52 are attached via offset brackets 53 to an attachment beam 49 fastened to the upper portion of the junction plate 47. The extension arms 52 extend outwardly from the offset brackets 53 toward the tire T, and may be generally L-shaped to define a clearance that allows pivotal movement of the grinding head 24. The grinding head 24 is supported between the distal ends of the extension arms 52.

The grinding head 24 may include a shroud or housing 56 supporting a first motor 58 and a second motor 59 which have grindstones 62 and 63, respectively, attached thereto. The shroud 56 includes an upper wall 64, a lower wall 65, and side walls 66 and 67 extending between the upper wall 64 and lower wall 65 from the front to the rear of the shroud 56 to define a grinding chamber 70. As shown in FIG. 7, the shroud 56 defines a front opening 72 to provide access to the grinding chamber 70. Furthermore, the upper wall 64 and lower wall 65 are curved (FIG. 6) along their front edges adjacent the front opening 72 to accommodate the annularity of the tire T.

As shown in FIG. 7, the first and second motors 58 and 59 are secured to the upper wall 64, and include shafts 74 and 75, respectively, extending therethrough to rotatably support the grindstones 62 and 63 within the grinding chamber 70. As such, each of the grindstones 62 and 63 may be driven directly by motors 58 and 59 located adjacent each grindstone 62 and 63. By using a single motor for each of the grindstones 62 and 63, the size of the motors 58 and 59 in such a directly driven system are reduced. Moreover, when the grindstones 62 and 63 are driven directly, the inertia of the directly driven system is reduced in comparison to known systems incorporating a motor located distally from the grindstones with a series of belts or chains connecting the motor with a gear box arrangement for rotating the grindstones. The reduced inertia of a directly driven system improves the rate at which the reversal of the grindstones 62 and 63 can be initiated. By reversing the grindstones 62 and 63 quickly from one direction to another, the directly driven system may significantly reduce processing time when such reversal is necessary. Motors 58 and 59 are sized to drive the grindstones 62, 63 with sufficient power yet are compact to allow free movement within the machine proper, wherein the tire T is located.

Power to the motors 58 and 59 is supplied conventionally by electrical cables (not shown) which may be connected to the motors 58 and 59 at a junction box (not shown). Furthermore, to protect the components of the motors 58 and 59, housings 76 are provided to substantially cover the exposed surfaces of the motors 58 and 59.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the shroud 56 may be provided with a nozzle 78 attached to a vacuum source open to grinding chamber 70 to remove particulate created during the grinding process. For example, the side walls 66 and 67 curve toward one another at the rear extremity of the shroud 56 to define, together with the upper wall 64 and lower wall 65, the nozzle 78. As such, the nozzle 78 is integrally formed with the shroud 56, and fluidly connected to the vacuum source by a hose 80.

To further aid in the removal of particulate, a jet nozzle 82 may direct a supply of fluid, such as air, toward the tire T to attempt to expel particulate lodged along the surface S at the treads, sidewall, or the shoulder. The jet nozzle 82 is fluidly connected to a supply of air distally located away from the grinding head 24. The jet nozzle 82 may be located inside the grinding chamber 70 near the grindstones 62 and 63. In fact, as shown in FIG. 7, the jet nozzle 82 may be located between the grindstones 62 and 63 within the vacuum stream created by the vacuum source.

The sensor 26 may be mounted on the shroud 56 or proximate thereto to determine the position of the upper section 10A, and, specifically, the grinding head 24 relative to the tire T, and to measure the amount of material removed from the tire T during the grinding process. As discussed above, the sensor 26 communicates with the system controller C to the radial position of the moveable arm 28.

The system controller C extends the moveable arm 28 to position the grinding head 24, and, hence, the grindstones 62 and 63 carried thereby adjacent the tire T. In this way, the radial positioning system 18 can be used to simultaneously place the grindstones 62 and 63 into contact with the surface S of the tire T. Once in contact with the surface S, the leading grindstone 62 and trailing grindstone 63 and trailing grindstones 62, as defined by the rotational direction of the tire T depicted in FIG. 1, can remove material from the tire T in consecutive fashion. The grindstones 62 and 63 may rotate in the same direction about their respective axes of rotation or they may rotate in opposite directions with respect to each other. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the leading grindstone 62 may rotate in a clockwise direction and the trailing grindstone 63 in a counterclockwise direction. As such, the leading grindstone 62 may remove the bulk of the material with the trailing grindstone 63 removing irregularities created by the leading grindstone 62. Once sufficient material is removed from the tire T, the system controller C retracts the moveable arm 28 to pull the grindstones 62 and 63 away from the tire T. If the axes of the grindstones are laterally aligned with respect to each other, such as shown in FIG. 6, the grindstones 62 and 63 are generally withdrawn from the surface S of tire T simultaneously.

To perform grinding along the surface S at the treads, sidewall, or shoulder, the grinding head 24 including the shroud 56, motors 58 and 59, and grindstones 62 and 63 may be made pivotable about a pivot axis PA. For example, the shroud 56 may be attached to the extension arms 52 by pivot shafts 84 and 85 located on the side walls 66 and 67, respectively. As best shown in FIG. 7, the pivot shafts 84 and 85 are attached to the side walls 66 and 67, respectively, generally near the upper wall 64. The pivot shafts 84 and 85 are partially rotatable within apertures 86 and 87 (FIG. 8), respectively, provided through the extension arms 52 about the pivot axis PA. As such, the grinder head 24 can be pivoted from a position P1 to a position P2 (FIG. 5) through angle α to position the grindstones 62 and 63 to contact the treads, sidewall, or shoulder along the surface S of the tire T.

A tilt adjuster assembly 90 provides for automated pivotal movement of the grinding head 24 about the pivot axis PA. Generally, the angular position of grinding head 24 is controlled by an actuator, such as, a cylinder, motor, or other available device capable of causing the grinding head 24 to rotate about pivot axis PA. In the example show, in FIG. 9A, the tilt adjuster assembly 90 may include a pie-shaped gear section 92 rotatably fixed to the pivot shaft 84. The pie-shaped gear section 92 includes teeth 93 along the outer edge thereof provided to interface with a worm gear 94. The worm gear 94 is formed on or attached to the shaft of a motor 96, which may be a servo motor, attached to the extension arm 52. For example, the motor 96 may mounted to the extension arm 52 by a bracket 98 extending outwardly therefrom. Furthermore, the shaft of the motor 96 may be supported by a bracket 99 including a bearing or a bushing (not shown). The bracket 99 also extends outwardly from the extension arm 52 so that the worm gear 94 can be positioned to abut the pie-shaped gear section 92. As such, rotation of the worm gear 94, in both clockwise and counter-clockwise directions, is translated by the pie-shaped gear section 92 into pivotal movement of the shaft 84, and, hence, the grinding head 24.

Again, the system controller C can be used to operate the tilt adjuster 90 to control pivotal movement of the grinding head 24, and, hence, the grindstones 62 and 63 carried thereby. As such, the angular orientation of the grindstones 62 and 63 can be adjusted to ensure proper contact with the surface S along the treads, sidewall, and shoulder. To that end, the sensor 26 may be used to determine the position of the upper section 10A, and, specifically, the grinding head 24 relative to the tire T so that tilt adjuster 90 can be activated accordingly. Moreover, feedback from the motor 96 may be used to determine the angular position of grinding head 24, for example, motor 96 may include an encoder or similar device.

To hold the grinding head 24 in a selected position, a braking assembly 100 may be provided. The braking assembly 100 includes a brake 102, which, in order to gain mechanical advantage, may be placed distally of the pivot axis PA. As shown in FIG. 9B, the brake 102 is attached to the extension arm 52 using an L-shaped bracket 104 adjacent the rear extremity of the shroud 56. It will be appreciated that a braking assembly may not be necessary, when using a cylinder or servo motor to tilt the grinding head 24. Therefore, the braking assembly 100 may be omitted or used to reinforce the braking force applied by the actuator.

In the example shown, the brake 102 is used to apply a clamping force to a braking member 106 attached to the shroud 56. As shown in FIG. 9B, the braking member 106 is formed as a somewhat hatchet-shaped member with a body 107 secured to the grinding head 24, and an arc-shaped extension 108. The body 107 extends from the shroud 56 toward the brake 102, and the arc-shaped extension 108 is received within the brake 102. To permit braking at any angular position, the length of the arc-shaped extension 108 is determined by the desired degree of tilt of the grinding head 24, or, in other words, the desired amount of pivot movement.

The brake 102 includes a brake arm 110 moveable in and out relative to a block 111. The arc-shaped extension 108 is received between the brake arm 110 and block 111, and inward movement of the brake arm 110 clamps and outward movement of the brake arm 110 unclamps the arc-shaped extension 108 against the block 111. If necessary, the brake arm 110 and/or block 111 can include a brake pad 112.

A motor 114 may be positioned adjacent the brake 102 to actuate the brake 102, and move the brake arm 110 inwardly and outwardly relative to the block 111. As such, when the motor 114 is activated to move the brake arm 110 inwardly to clamp the arc-shaped extension 108 within the brake 102, the position of the grinding head 24 may be reinforced. Moreover, activation of the motor 114 can be controlled by the system controller C according to operation of the tilt adjuster 90.

As discussed above, the upper section 10A and lower section 10B may move independently of one another. As such, in addition having grinding heads 24 capable of radial and pivotal movement relative to the tire T, the grinding heads 24 located on the upper section 10A and lower section 10B can adjusted vertically with respect to the tire T. To that end, the upper section 10A and lower section 10B are capable of vertical movement using a vertical positioning assembly 118. The vertical positioning assembly 118 incorporates the rail carriages R1 and R2 supporting the upper section 10A and lower section 10B, respectively, and the rails 12 and 14.

As shown in FIG. 10, the rails 12 and 14 extend vertically along the frame member F1. The rails 12 and 14 may be attached to the frame member F1 using an attachment saddle 120 incorporated in the vertical positioning assembly 118 that extends vertically along the frame member F1. The attachment saddle 120 is secured to the frame member F1, and includes extension brackets 122 and 124 extending outwardly therefrom to support the rails 12 and 14, respectively.

The rails 12 and 14 moveably support the rail carriages R1 and R2, and, as discussed above, allow the upper section 10A and lower section 10B to be vertically positioned with respect to one another, and to the tire T. For example, the positions of the rail carriages R1 and R2 along the rails 12 and 14 provide for the positions of the upper section 10A and lower section 10B with respect to one another. As shown in FIG. 10, the rail carriage R1 is supported at an upward vertical position to support the upper section 10A, and the rail carriage R2 is supported at a downward vertical position to support the lower section 10B.

The rail carriages R1 and R2 each include a body 126 having a T-shaped cross-section formed by a first plate 128 and a second plate 129 perpendicularly attached along one edge to the first plate 128. The first and second plate 128 and 129 extend vertically along a corner 130 of the frame member F1, and support rail blocks 132 and 134 which receive the rails 12 and 14, respectively. Furthermore, as discussed below, the rail carriage R1 includes a ledge 131 or other member for accommodating one of the various actuators. The ledge 131 may, for example, extend outward along the bottom edge of the second plate 129.

As best shown in FIG. 8, the rail block 132 receiving the rail 12 may be attached via a bracket 135 along an edge of the first plate 128. Furthermore, the rail block 134 receiving the rail 14 may be attached to the second plate 129 adjacent the edge opposite the edge attached to the first plate 128. The rail blocks 132 and 134 are moveable along the rails 12 and 14, respectively, and allow the rail carriages R1 and R2 to be vertically positionable with respect to one another, and to the tire T.

As discussed above, various actuators are used to move the upper section 10A and 10B along the rails 12 and 14 and may be used to mold the halves in selected vertical positions. More specifically, the vertical positioning assembly 118 incorporates suitable linear actuators, generally referred to by the numerals 136 and 137, to actuate movement of the carriages R1 and R2, respectively. The actuators 136 and 137 can be fluid driven actuators, such as, hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders, motor driven actuators, electric actuators and the like. In the embodiment shown, the actuators 136 and 137 include cylinders 138 and 139 which extend to raise the carriages R1 and R2 and retract to lower the carriages R1 and R2.

The actuators 136 and 137 may both be fixedly attached at one end to the frame F, for example, adjacent the bottom of the frame member F1. The other end of the actuator 136 is attached to the carriage R1 and the other end of the actuator 137 is attached to the carriage R2. In the orientation shown, to avoid interference of the actuator 136 with respect to the lower carriage R2, the actuators 136, 137 may be offset from one another outwardly relative to the frame member F1. For example, actuator 136 may be located further outward from frame member F1 than actuator 137 a distance sufficient to allow actuator 136 to clear the carriage R2 to which actuator 137 is connected. The ledge 131 extends outwardly from the carriage R1 to facilitate contact with the outwardly offset actuator 136.

To attach the upper section 10A and lower section 10B to the rail carriages R1 and R2, respectively, the collars 16 are attached to the first plates 128 thereof. As such, the collars 16 extend outwardly from the first plates 128, and the extension brackets 20 attached to the carriages 22 (of the upper section 10A and lower section 10B) are pivotably received between the upper and lower collar arms 16A and 16B. As such, the actuators 136 and 137 can be actuated to move, without interference, the carriage R1 and the upper section 10A supported thereby and the carriage R2 and the lower section 10B supported thereby vertically with respect to one another, and to the frame member F1.

Again, system controller C can be used to operate the vertical positioning assembly 118 to control the vertical positions of the upper section 10A and lower section 10B, and, hence, the grinding heads 24 and grindstones 62 and 63 carried thereby. As such, the vertical orientation of the grindstones 62 and 63 of both grinding heads can be adjusted to ensure proper contact with the surface S along the treads, sidewall, and shoulder. To that end, the sensors 26 may be used to determine the position of the upper section 10A and upper 10B, and, specifically, the grinding heads 24 thereof relative to the tire T so that vertical positioning assembly 118 can be activated accordingly.

A vertical slide assembly 140 is provided along the frame member F2 to accommodate vertical movement of the upper section 10A and lower section 10B using the vertical positioning assembly 118. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the extension brackets 142, like extension brackets 20, are attached to the carriages 22 of the upper section 10A and lower section 10B. The extension brackets 142 include, as shown in FIG. 11, support plates 144 attached thereto, and the attachment of the support plates 144 to the extension brackets 142 is reinforced with strengthening plates 145. The support plates 144 carry rail blocks 146 provided to receive a rail 148 attached to the frame member F2.

As shown, in FIGS. 1 and 11, the rail 148 is attached to a backing plate 150 that is secured to the frame member F2, and extends vertically therealong. As such, when the upper section 10A and lower section 10B are in the engaged position (FIG. 1), the rail blocks 146 receive the rail 148. The rail blocks 146 slidably engage the rail 148, and allow the vertical slide assembly to accommodate vertical movement of the upper section 10A and lower section 10B with respect to one another, and to the tire T, while providing support relative to the frame member F2.

As described above, the grinding head 24 may be made to move vertically, radially, and angularly about a pivot axis PA in an automated fashion. Consequently, the grinding assembly 10 may be used to grind the entire profile of the tire T. While, a description has discussed one example, where two arms 10A, 10B carry grinding heads 24, it will be appreciated that a single arm and grinding head may be used. When using multiple arms 10, movements of the arms 10 may be coordinated with each other to achieve the desired grinding and avoid interference with each other. For example, grinding assemblies 10A, 10B may be programmed to start substantially next to each other and centrally relative to the vertical dimension of the tire to calibrate a central set point for the grinding assemblies 10A, 10B. Each grinding assembly 10A, 10B would then move outwardly from the central set point to perform the necessary grinding. Dynamic adjustment of the grinding head 24 may be made based on feedback from sensors, such as, sensor 26 or other sensors used in connection with the tire machine. For example, in a tire uniformity machine, the various sensors used in measuring the dimensions of the tire and forces generated thereby may be used to control movement of the grinding head 24 and perform selected grinding at selected locations on the tire T.

When using the system controller C to control the vertical, radial, and angular position of the grinding head 24, highly automated and accurate operation is possible. Also, the system controller C may be programmed or otherwise provided with the instructions necessary to create a selected tire profile. This profile could be stored in memory within the system controller C and recalled whenever a tire of the same type is processed. The system controller C would then formulate a set of instructions from the profile information to control the position of the grinding head 24 and produce the desired profile. When incorporated in a tire uniformity machine, the grinding assembly 10 may be used to provide profile grinding in addition to force and run-out grinding.

In light of the foregoing, it should thus be evident that a tire uniformity machine grinder assembly according to the concepts of the present invention substantially improves the art. While, in accordance with the patent statutes, only the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail hereinabove, and shown in the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not to be limited thereto or thereby. It will be appreciated that various modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment without departing from the spirit of the invention. 

1. A grinder assembly for contacting a tire supported by a frame relative to the tire, the grinder assembly comprising, a first section and a second section, a vertical repositioning assembly supporting said first section and said second section, and actuating said first section and said second section vertically relative to one another, and to the tire, wherein said first section and said second section include grinding heads, radial positioning systems supporting said grinding heads for radial movement with respect to the tire, and tilt adjusters provided adjacent said grinding heads to actuate said grinding heads between pivotal positions, wherein said vertical positioning assembly includes rails extending vertically along the frame, a first rail carriage supporting said first section and a second rail carriage supporting said second section, said first rail carriage and said second rail carriage being vertically repositionable along said rails to adjust the vertical positions of said grinding heads with respect to the tire.
 2. A grinder assembly according to claim 1, wherein said vertical positioning assembly includes a first actuator for vertically repositioning said first rail carriage and a second actuator for vertically repositioning said second rail carriage.
 3. A grinder assembly according to claim 2, said first section and said second section are respectively attached to said first rail carriage and said second rail carriage by arms extending outwardly from said radial positioning assemblies, and pivotably attached to said first rail carriage and said second rail carriage.
 4. A grinder assembly for contacting a tire supported by a frame relative to the tire, the grinder assembly comprising, at least one section, a vertical repositioning system supporting said at least one section, and enabling said at least one section to be vertically repositioned relative to the tire, said at least one section including a grinding head, a radial positioning system supporting said grinding head for radial movement with respect to the tire, and a tilt adjuster provided adjacent said grinding head to provide for pivotal movement thereof, wherein said vertical repositioning system includes at least one rail extending along the frame, and a rail carriage supporting said at least one section on said at least one rail, said rail carriage being vertically repositionable along said at least one rail.
 5. A grinder assembly according to claim 4, wherein said grinding head includes a housing, at least one grindstone rotatably supported relative to said housing, and at least one motor for directly driving the rotation of said at least one grindstone.
 6. A grinder assembly according to claim 5, wherein said housing defines a grinding chamber, and said at least one motor includes a shaft extending into said grinding chamber to support said at least one grindstone therein.
 7. A grinder assembly according to claim 6, further comprising an extension arm extending outwardly from said radial positioning system, said extension arm pivotably supporting said grinding head, and said tilt adjustor attached to said extension arm to actuate said grinding head between a first pivotal position and a second pivotal position.
 8. A grinder assembly according to claim 4, wherein said radial positioning system includes a carriage and a moveable arm carrying said grinding head, said moveable arm supported for linear movement by said carriage, and actuatable inwardly and outwardly relative to said carriage to radially position said grinding head relative to the tire.
 9. A grinder assembly according to claim 8, further comprising an extension arm extending outwardly from said moveable arm to pivotably support said grinding head therebetween.
 10. A grinder assembly according to claim 9, wherein said tilt adjustor is supported adjacent said grinding head on said extension arm, said tilt adjustor adapted to pivot said grinding head between a first position and a second position.
 11. A grinder assembly according to claim 10, wherein a shaft supports said grinding head on said extension arm, and defines a pivot axis for said grinding head, and wherein said tilt adjustor includes a toothed gear attached to said shaft, and a worm gear contacting said toothed gear, rotation of said worm gear pivoting said grinding head.
 12. A grinding process for removing material from the tread, sidewall, and shoulder of a tire comprising: providing grinder assemblies, each having a grinding head pivotally mounted on an arm, said arm being movable vertically and radially relative to the tire; providing actuators operatively connected to said grinding assemblies to move the grinding heads; providing controllers in communication with said actuators and at least one sensor; selectively adjusting the position of the grinding head relative to the tire by selectively operating said actuators to contact the tire at a selected position; calibrating said grinding assemblies to a set point and initially moving said grinder assemblies to said set point before removing material from the tire; and removing material from the tire at the position by grinding a profile stored in the system controller, wherein said controller uses the stored profile to create signals sent to the actuators to move the grinding heads to a series of selected Positions creating the selected profile. 